Are you ready to download a file? Don't--until you've read this column.
I'll tell how to download files efficiently and safely, and share a trick
for transferring download-resistant videos onto your PC.
Problem
The Hassle: I download lots of free software, but
I'm worried about picking up adware. What do you suggest?
Solution
The Fix: Fire up your standard defensive shields (firewall,
antivirus, and antispyware); then add an extra coat of armor. I recommend
giving
Cyberhawk Basic a
try. Unlike antivirus software that checks for virus signaA-tures, Cyberhawk
watches for and blocks suspicious behavior as it occurs.
But Cyberhawk doesn't play well with all computers, so I have two
alternatives that thwart malware by running your browser, e-mail, and
instant messaging apps in a protected sandbox. That way, you can end a
session and easily reverse potential damage to your system.
GreenBorder Pro with SafeFiles
throws a border around your browser and puts downloaded files into a special
folder, so that you can run them in a protected session. At $30 per year,
it's not dirt cheap, but you do get a 15-day free trial. Or try
Sandboxie, a free but
complicated tool that quarantines downloads and their installation routines
in a sandbox until you decide they're not harmful. Warning: Be sure to try
each program separately.
Problem
The Hassle: I'm an avid downloader, but I hate
downloading files one at a time.
Solution
The Fix: You need a download manager.
FlashGet is a remarkable
free tool. Click a link to download a file, or just copy the link into the
clipboard, and FlashGet pops up to perform the download. Even handier: Drag
and drop multiple links onto the program's floating dropzone. The default
setting can download ten files simultaneously and resumes the transfer if
it's disrupted midstream by, say, a browser or unlikely (ha!) PC crash. If
you have a manager but it won't work with Firefox, use
FlashGot.
Quick Tip: Have you ever happened across a site loaded with
zillions of images or videos that you wanted? Forget download managers: The
tool you need is
WinHTTrack
Website Copier; it saves an entire Web site to your hard drive.
Problem
The Hassle: Is there a good way to download YouTube or
Google video files?
Solution
The Fix: Many sites contain Flash-based streaming videos
that are yours for the taking. Just use the Web-based toolsat
KeepVid.com or
VideoDownload.com.
Both sites have links you can add to your browser's toolbar to handle
drag-and-drop video downloading. For multiple YouTube videos, download
TubeMe. To watch the files, use
VLC or FLV Player--or
convert the videos into AVI files at the
Online FLV Converter site.
Clear Away Clutter With WinPatrol
WinPatrol is a must-have tool: It helps keep your system tray free
of clutter and warns you when a program insists on loading at system
boot-up. The latest version--
WinPatrol
2007--has Delayed Start, a smart feature that lets you delay launch of
nonessential programs for up to an hour after the system boots, so Windows
loads faster. That's ideal timing for applications such as backup programs.
Also new is a right-click function that opens the startup program's folder
in Windows Explorer.
WinPatrol
Plus costs $30 (and I promise you, it's worth the money), but there's a
free version as well. Compare the two versions.